Obsessed with spiders and preoccupied with death, an old man lies at the centre of Iris Murdoch’s intricate web of relationships and passions.

Against an atmospheric London backdrop, Bruno is dying. As the end draws near, remorse, reconciliation and redemption fill his thoughts. The flooding Thames brings about the climax. Miles, Bruno’s estranged and grieving son; Danby, his widowed son-in-law, consoling himself with Adelaide the maid; creepy nurse Nigel and his besotted twin Will, fighter of duels - all are left changed by love and forgiveness before the old man’s final passing.

Shortlisted
The Booker Prize 1970
Published by
Chatto & Windus
Publication date
Iris Murdoch

Iris Murdoch

About the Author

Iris Murdoch was born in Dublin and made her writing debut with Under the Net in 1954. She wrote 26 novels and several books of philosophy.
More about Iris Murdoch

Other nominated books by Iris Murdoch

The Book and the Brotherhood
The Good Apprentice
The Sea The Sea
Prize winner
The Black Prince
The Nice and the Good